part of their life. You do not want you to be led by oratory machines but establish a communication exchange between you and the region you are in. All leaders are trained in first aid and group dynamics. Also you will appreciate the difference between foreign leaders and the educated locals who give you the opportunity to interact and learn more about the place.

Will I get sick?
Tour provides you some basic medical assistance. A doctor in all entry points in India would take of minor complaints if you have any during your stay there. ABVIMAS carry comprehensive medical kits in case of emergency. Their expert cooks provide hygienically prepared meals. Also ensure that besides everything they may provide, the participant’s health, hygiene and food is of prime concern to all travelers. Ensure that adequate facilities and options are made available to you.

Is the country politically stable and safe?
India is one of the largest democratic countries in the world. As such there might be some disturbances in some parts of the country. The sheer largeness of the country does not effect the daily life of the residents in other parts. Life moves on as usual, unperturbed.

Are the trails crowded?
There is so much to see in India that all tourists who go there get distributed and move out to different parts of the country in their search of new destinations. For those who choose the Himalayas, get further disintegrated and move out to the enormous variety of treks and climbs available. As such you may find no other foreigners apart from your group for days on end. At the peak season, you may probably see some other trekkers. Even then there will be far less people than you would see on a normal walking trail at home.

Should I purchase a lot of expensive gear to go on a trek?
ABVIMAS provide free the most expensive items - a sleeping bag, warm jacket and sleeping mat. You have to provide the other personal clothing items you need. This will involve some expense, although you will be amazed, by how much use you will be able to make out of clothing you already own. It is preferable to bring your own sleeping bags though.

What photographic equipment should I take?
Most trekkers would like to record their trip on film. Himalayan treks offer a wealth of photographic possibilities and carrying a little extra photography equipment can be worth its weight. Single reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses are most suitable for the situations that you will encounter. Lenses should include a wide angle (28-35 mm) for buildings and landscapes, a tele-photo (70-200 mm) for un-obtrusive portraits and close-ups of mountain peaks. A macro lens will help you photograph flowers of Himalaya. Carry plenty of film as you will probably end up taking more photographs than you planned (a roll a day should suffice). Make sure you have waterproof covering for your camera, equipment and extra batteries. You will need an ultra violet and polarising filter for high altitudes.

Will I get altitude sickness?
It depends from person to person, while one may get sick at a lower altitude, the other might not get affected even at a much higher altitude. The operators normally carefully plan your tour in stages to make you acclimatise during the trip. Leaders keep a personal check and take all possible precautions. In case of a problem, you should inform your group leaders.

What type of food is served on a trek?
Normally hot meals are served all along the trip, though at times packed lunches may be given when distances between stops do not permit cooking. A variety of Indian and continental dishes are prepared with fresh meat and vegetables. Most tour operators arrange for the food and also have an accompanying cook to take care of the details. Make sure the tour operator you plan to go with takes care of these details.

What about overnight accommodation?
Where possible most operators prefer to organise the stay in countryside hotels or rest houses. For the major part of the trek, the accommodation would however be tend to be in tents on twin sharing basis. Bathroom and sanitation facilities are improvised and made as comfortable as possible.